Experimental and Numerical Behavior of Tubular Foam Filled Struts

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Civil Engineering Department, Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology in Kafr El sheikh

2 Civil Eng. Dept., Faculty of Engineering, Menoufia University

3 Civil Engineering Dept., Menoufia University

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation for the behavior of foam filled circular steel tubes under static
axial loads through numerical and experimental test program. Six specimens were included in the
experimental test program divided into three groups. The tubes were of different diameters, wall thickness
and different lengths. One tube of each group was filled with Polyurethane (PU) foam with density of 30
kg/m3
. All specimens were exposed to axial compression using compression test machine. Numerical
simulation was also conducted and the results showed good agreement with experimental tests. Results
conclude that there was no effect in the load carrying capacity by using lower foam density filling steel
column, but there was an increase in the load carrying capacity by using construction foam (metallic foam).
The results also showed noticeable reduction in local buckling phenomenon besides a more ductile behavior
for this type of elements.